9. The Improved Benevolent And Protective Order Of Elks Of The World

What Is It:
You may have heard of the Elks. Well this secret society is even better. When Black folks were banned from the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World in 1899, they simply created their own “improved” version, which they called the Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World.

Famous Elks:

According to a 1907 newspaper article, “it is one of the most thriving secret societies among Afro-Americans.”

Why You Should Join:
In the 1960s, the Improved Elks held concerts featuring Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, and Eartha Kitt. It also actively opposed school segregation in the early 20th century.